News

Council Defends Gritting Decision

Wednesday April 4 2012

BARNSLEY Council has issued a statement defending today's gritting decisions after it claimed it it suffered 'unwarranted' criticism.

It says council gritters were out at 1am this morning (April 4) gritting some high level routes, and went out again this morning on the town's busiest roads.

A spokesman said: "We have been made aware of some criticism about the council’s lack of action in regards to gritting. This is unwarranted.

"As always, the council took quick and appropriate action to ensure that the borough’s traffic can keep moving. Given the warm temperatures prior to the snow, the heat in the ground melts the snow quickly, effectively washing away and diluting the grit.

"Also, grit needs crushing into the snow to make it activate, so if there is no traffic to do this, any snow falling will simply sit on top of the grit and cover it up."

The statement was posted on the Council's website following criticism about its gritting policies.

I had school run this morning as my children still at schol until end of today.. The roads were a little icy...but drivers adapt to road conditions.. It seems council is dambed if it dies or doesnt gritt roads...however 1am gritting seems too little too late as weather had bern forcast days ago!! And grit salt levels must be high as we have had no snow up to now!!!

so Mr spokesman you feel criticism is unfair!! mmmmmmm really "gritters were out at 1am gritting SOME high level routes " " some" being the operative word ! so pogmoor road and gawber road (on which the hospital is) also victoria road must not be classed as a "high level routes " i traveled on these at 8.10 am and these roads and NEVER seen grit! admit it for ONCE the highways dept got it wrong (again) and stop coming out with bulls... .